The photographer lowered his dignity and implored, “Please work with me here. I’ll do everything else. Let’s try another set?”
Although there were two days‘ worth of photographs, none were remotely usable. Furthermore, shots that were overly edited looked awkward.
The greatest taboo of fashion photography was inauthenticity.
“It’s too late for you to start taking things seriously. I don’t care. I’m leaving.” Emilia said coldly.
She changed back into her own dress, flung the apparel aside, and prepared to leave.
The crew looked angry yet did not dare say a word.
Christina stopped her. “Before the day’s work is done, Emilia, you will not leave.”
It’s because of her that we are behind schedule.
Emilia sneered, “I insist on leaving. What are you going to do about it?”
I’ve signed the contract and received the endorsement fee. What can she do about that?
Christina’s gaze remained steady, “I’ll replace you if you leave.”
“Do as you wish.”
With a contemptuous scoff, Emilia turned and left without a backward glance.
The studio fell silent. In the aftermath of the confrontation, the crew was left uncertain.
The photographer returned to his workstation and turned on his laptop to search for any satisfactory photographs, but every single one failed to achieve the desired effect.
The entire department felt utterly deflated.
“What do we do, Ms. Steele? Tonight is the last night to send the photographs to the printing house, or we won’t be able to meet the deadline.”
“Even if we renegotiate everything, we won’t be able to start work quickly enough.”
“That’s right. We might not have the time even if we looked for somebody else.”
At a complete loss, the female colleagues took turns to offer their thoughts on their predicament.
They turned their pleading gazes at Christina as they awaited her verdict.
Christing bit her lip as she tried to think of something.
An instant later, she ordered, “Set everything up here. I’m going to make a phone call.”
As if receiving a jolt of energy, the crew leaped into action at her command.
Christina gave Coco a call. She thought the person most embodying the youthful spirit they were looking
for was Coco.
As soon as Coco heard about the job, she immediately had her assistant check her schedule.
“I’m still on set, but we’re finishing up soon. I can spare two hours for your shoot before I rush back here.”
Despite her packed schedule, Coco still made time for Christina at her
request.
“Thank you so much, I have everything prepared here. We can start shooting as soon as you arrive.”
After ending the call, Christina had the photographer set up a new backdrop–a pink wall–and put out some accessories in the style of young trendy women.
The makeup artist was stunned when Coco arrived. “A–Aren’t you Coco Lynch, who recently starred in some television series?”
Upon hearing that, the crowd flocked over for a glimpse at the famous face.
Coco was dressed simply. She removed her cap to reveal a pixie–like face. “I’m in a hurry. Thank you all for the trouble.”
“No trouble at all. This way, please.”
The makeup artists and stylists were starstruck and giggly.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Marrying the Ugly Heir for Truth and Wealth